Vermont’s Handheld Device & Texting Law Highlights
23 V.S.A. § 1099 “Texting Prohibited”
- As used in this section, "texting" means the reading or the manual composing or sending of electronic communications, including text messages, instant messages, or e-mails, using a portable electronic device as defined in subdivision 4(82) of this title.
- A person shall not engage in texting while operating a moving motor vehicle in a place open temporarily or permanently to public or general circulation of vehicles.
- In addition, a person shall not engage in texting while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway in Vermont, including while the vehicle is stationary, unless otherwise provided under this section.
- Drivers caught using a hand-held device will be fined a penalty of not less than $100.00 and not more than $200.00 for a first violation, and of not less than $250.00 and not more than $500.00 for a second or subsequent violation within any two-year period.
23 V.S.A. § 1095b “Handheld Use of Electronic Devises”
- Defined, "hands-free use" means the use of a portable electronic device without use of either hand by employing an internal feature of, or an attachment to, the device.
- Use of handheld portable electronic device prohibited.
- A person shall not use a portable electronic device while operating a moving motor vehicle in a place open temporarily or permanently to public or general circulation of vehicles.
- A person shall not use a portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway in Vermont, including while the vehicle is stationary.
- Drivers caught using a hand-held device will be fined a penalty of not less than $100.00 and not more than $200.00 for a first violation, and of not less than $250.00 and not more than $500.00 for a second or subsequent violation within any two-year period, and assessed points.
For more information, Vermont’s cell phone and texting laws can be found at,
23 V.S.A. § 1095a JUNIOR OPERATOR USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
23 V.S.A. § 1095b HANDHELD USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE PROHIBITED
23 V.S.A. § 1099 TEXTING PROHIBITED
Remember, Law Enforcement officers in Vermont are trained to be looking for Distracted Driving behaviors, but they will also be on the lookout for seat belt law violators, impaired, aggressive and speeding drivers who - by the very nature of their risk-taking behavior - are more likely to Text and Drive.